I'm a luthier. Although I build guitars, I was intrigued by the Martin sustainable wood series. Often associated with cheap guitars, cherry is undervalued even though it's a truly excellent tonewood. When the guitar comes, it needs a setup, which is normal for an upscale guitar. People like to individualize their guitars to match their playing style. The guitar has plastic bridge pins, and Corian saddle and nut. I replaced everything with bone.

Sound
The guitar sounds excellent right out of the case. However, I replaced the plastic bridge pins, saddle, and nut, with bone. This increases the projection and accentuates the mids and trebles. The voice is rounded and the sustain incredible.

Features
The fit and finish are what you'd expect from Martin. Like most upscale guitars, the guitar needs to be set up when it comes. I'm a luthier, so I did my own set up. Unless you're trained, take your needs Martin to a local guitar tech, or luthier, to set it up properly. I don't like plastic components on guitars, so I replaced the nut, saddle, and bridge pins with bone.

Ease of Use
It's an acoustic, so it plays like an acoustic. I prefer a fast neck, so the string clearance is low. I play fingerstyle, and frequently up to the 17th fret, so this setup increases playability.

Quality
The guitar is made in the USA, so the fit and finish is are flawless.… read more It has a lifetime warranty. Martin is very good about servicing their guitars under warranty, so keep your receipt.

Value
The price is comparable to other sellers. I've played a lot of Martin's. IMO, this is one of the best sounding Martin's I've ever played. Just like people, every guitar is different. I may have that one out of a thousand which simply came out excellent, but the combo of Sitka and cherry is an excellent choice.

Manufacturer Support
I had a customer with the original receipt on a prewar Martin. Martin reset the neck. They have excellent customer service.

The Wow Factor
It's a Martin which is made in the USA. What else needs to be said?

Musical Background:
Acoustic guitar luthier.

Musical Style:
Fingerstyle. Most genres of music read less